Powerboat P1 stages races around the world. Jacksonville will be among six racing events in Florida.

Powerboat P1 requested $50,000 from the tourist development council, which awards grants out of the proceeds from hotel bed taxes.

“We believe it brings an international value in terms of tourism,” Powerboat P1 CEO James Durbin said.

Even though the tourist council agreed to only half the request, Lamp said afterward he is highly confident that sponsorships and support from other departments within the city will round up the money that’s needed.

He said it would be the first powerboat racing in Jacksonville in almost 30 years.